Tutor BIO

I was born and raised in Kelowna, Canada. I majored in biology at a branch of UBC in my hometown. I played a lot of team sports like hockey and lacrosse in my youth. I worked at HSBC Canada for 1 year as a CSR. Then, I started teaching English in 2002 and haven't stopped, except for when I became English-Spanish translator from 2012-2013. So, I have basically been teaching English full-time since 2002. I married a Mexican and as a result I am fluent in Spanish. I really enjoy teaching English because of the tremendous positive impact I have had on hundreds of my students lives.




My Teaching Approach:

Corrections and Videos: My students can expect to receive up to 100 typed corrections each class. They also get custom pronunciation videos and targeted grammar exercises. This helps them understand exactly what they need to work on to improve quickly and efficiently.

Experience: With my vast experience, I can quickly spot weaknesses in my students' pronunciation, expression, and grammar. I give them specific and effective exercises to overcome these challenges.

My Teaching Background:

Total Teaching Hours: I have taught hundreds of students for tens of thousands of hours in different areas like Conversational English, Business English, Children's English, and Test Preparation (IELTS, CELPIP, TOEFL). I estimate I have over 30,000 hours of one-on-one online teaching, plus 5 years as a private school, high school, and university English teacher.

Certification: I was certified as an English as a Second Language Instructor by TESOL International in March 2002. Teaching English has been my main job from 2002 to 2023.

Teaching History:

Mexico (2002-2005): I started teaching English in Mexico at "United English," where I taught small groups of 1 to 4 students of all ages and levels.

High School (2005-2007): I taught full-time at "Marista" high school in Mexico.

University (2006-2007): While teaching at the high school, I also taught at "ITESBA" University in Mexico.

Online Teaching (2008-2009): My first online job was with "Talkbean," a Korean company, where I worked 25 hours a week teaching students of all ages and levels.

Translation (2009-2011): I worked as a Spanish/English translator for "Lansa Translations," focusing on medical and business translations.

Russian Companies (2011-2014): I tutored English online for "English Natali" and "Sky English."

Chinese Companies (2014-2024): I taught English for "VIPKID," "51talk," and "Hiknow," teaching Chinese students of all ages and levels.

I continue to teach English to non-native speakers of all ages and levels to this day.

Unlock Your English Potential with Donald!

Imagine a world where language barriers no longer hold you back, where every conversation flows smoothly, and your confidence in speaking English soars. This isn't just a dream; it's a possibility when you choose to learn with me, Donald.

Why Learn with Me?

Personalized Learning:

With over 30,000 hours of teaching experience, I have helped hundreds of students like you. I understand that each student has unique needs. That's why I offer up to 100 personalized corrections per class, along with custom pronunciation videos and targeted grammar exercises. This approach ensures you're not just learning; you're mastering English in a way that fits your personal learning style.

Rapid Improvement:

My vast experience allows me to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses swiftly. I don't just teach; I coach you through your journey in English. From basic conversation to high-level business negotiations or acing your IELTS, CELPIP, or TOEFL exams, I have the expertise to guide you to success.

A Journey Through Time and Cultures: Starting from teaching in small classrooms in Mexico to online platforms serving students across different continents, my journey reflects a commitment to education that transcends borders. My background in teaching at various levels - from private schools to universities - equips me with a versatile teaching method that is both broad and deep.

Your Success Story Starts Here:

Immediate Feedback: With detailed feedback on your speaking and writing, you'll see improvement in your English skills faster than you might think possible. Each session is designed to address your specific areas for growth, ensuring that every minute you spend in class is a step forward.

Cultural Insights: Learning English isn't just about grammar and vocabulary; it's about understanding and navigating different cultures. My experience teaching in diverse settings around the world provides you with not just language skills, but also cultural fluency.

A Supportive Learning Environment:

Whether you're a shy beginner or a confident speaker looking to polish your skills, I create a classroom atmosphere where you feel supported, encouraged, and motivated. I've taught English to people of all ages, proving that it's never too late to learn or too early to start mastering a new language.

Book Your Class Today:

Don't let language be the wall between you and your dreams. Whether your goal is to study abroad, advance in your career, or simply enjoy global entertainment without subtitles, I am here to help you achieve it. With my history of transforming students' English proficiency, imagine where you could be in just a few months.

Every class you book is a step towards unlocking your full potential in English. Let's embark on this journey together, where your progress is my priority. Book your class now, and let's make your English learning story one of success, growth, and achievement.

Here's to your bright future with English as your tool to explore the world. Let's start this adventure!

Donald

Speaking Languages